A member may be penalized for what action regarding violations of union rules?

A member may face penalties for knowingly being aware of a violation and failing to report it due to the importance of upholding union rules and maintaining integrity within the organization. Unions rely on members to act in accordance with their rules and to report any infractions, as this ensures the collective strength and adherence to established guidelines. When a member turns a blind eye to a violation, it undermines the union’s efforts to promote fairness and accountability among its members. This action can also erode trust within the membership, as it may allow wrongful behavior to persist unchallenged.

The other options do not carry the same level of responsibility regarding the integrity of the union. For instance, failing to attend a meeting could be seen as a lack of engagement but doesn't actively harm the organization, filing charges against another member might be a procedural right in some contexts, and speaking out against decisions may reflect dissent but is often protected as part of a member’s right to free expression. Hence, the critical nature of reporting known violations underscores why the specific action of not reporting is met with potential penalties.